HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Open Their First Bank Accounts
This past weekend, HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students took an exciting step toward independence by opening their own bank accounts at Bank of America ! As part of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant, stipends are provided for each student, giving them the opportunity to set up an account and receive a debit card. Throughout the school year, students will participate in weekly Community-Based Instruction (CBI) outings to practice important life skills such as budgeting, calculating tax and tip, teamwork, and communication. These experiences help prepare them for life after high school. We are so proud of their progress and can’t wait to see what they accomplish this year!
College Mentors Making a Difference
HDS Foundation is proud to support students at the University of North Florida through our College Mentors Program in partnership with the Transition to Healthiness, Resourcefulness, Independence, Vocation, and Education (THRIVE) Program. The dedicated mentors have been busy completing certification training and meeting with THRIVE students to provide guidance, encouragement, and support tailored to each student’s individual needs and goals. Mentorship is the heart of THRIVE’s success, helping students build confidence, develop independence, and achieve their personal and academic goals. Thanks to our mentors, THRIVE continues to create a welcoming and empowering college experience where students can truly thrive! Here’s to another inspiring semester filled with growth, learning, and opportunity!
Welcome Back HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students!
Last week, we had the pleasure of meeting our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students for the 2025–2026 school year!
We’re excited to support them throughout the year as they take part in Community Based Instruction field trips, where they’ll gain valuable life skills and experiences out in the community.
Here’s to a year full of learning, growth, and new opportunities!
Kate Gilson Miranda: A Voice for Advocacy
We are so proud of Kate Gilson Miranda, HDS Foundation Director, for attending the Miami-Dade Commission Meeting last night! As one of Best Buddies Florida State Ambassadors, Kate spoke passionately about the importance of protecting funding for the Best Buddies Organization. She shared her personal story, highlighting that without Best Buddies, she would not be working today as a Pre-K Paraprofessional. Kate’s voice is a powerful reminder to always advocate for what you believe in and for the organizations that change lives.
Happy Birthday Temple Grandin!
Diagnosed with autism at a time when little was understood about it, Dr. Grandin broke barriers in education, agriculture, and neurodiversity advocacy. Her work has changed lives, opened minds, and empowered individuals to embrace their unique strengths.
Thank you, Dr. Grandin, for reminding us that inclusion, innovation, and understanding start with acceptance.
Candle Making at its finest!
One of our additional HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward Programs also had the chance to participate in the Community Based Instruction in-house field trip with the ScentsAbility team. These students were given a chance to try their hand at candle making. Each student...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Get a Taste of Patriotism
Patriotism and barbeque are what the HDSF B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed during their lunch outing at Mission BBQ. Before the students headed to the restaurant, they reviewed the menu and decided what to order for lunch. The challenge was to order a main entree,...
Cypress Bay High School ESE Transition Fair & College Night
The HDS Foundation (HDSF) enjoyed participating at Cypress Bay High School ESE Transition Fair & College Night. In preparation for the event, Program Manager Liz Falk assisted the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teacher, Alma Gonzalez, and Job Coach, Paula Wright, in helping...
Cypress Bay BRIDGES Home Depot Flower Garden CBI
“Flowers are like friends; they bring diversity to your world.” The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward students worked on planting a flower garden at their high school over the past three weeks to enhance the garden space. The students participated in several activities to...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward Host Career Day with Special Guest Rixys Alfonso, CEO of CauseMo Marketing
As students in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward Program prepare for their high school graduation, Program facilitators Ms. Kathy Gorman-Gard and Ms. Donna Mansolillo have invited special guest speakers in various careers to share their career journeys with the...
Congratulation to the Nominees and Winners of the 12th Annual 211 Broward Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards
On behalf of our Board of Directors, Junior Board Members, and Program Managers at the HDS Foundation, we want to congratulate the nominees and winners of the Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards Presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The 211 Broward...
Cypress Bay HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students create Visions Boards
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward students spent the past few weeks creating their vision boards. The class facilitators, Donna Mansolillo and Kathy Gorman-Gard begin the unit each year by having the students create vision boards. Once the students complete their boards...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Enjoy Lunch at their Local Panera Bread Cafe
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Community-Based Instruction (CBI) outings that we host in collaboration with our local high school partners are much more than purely educational. They are an opportunity for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other abilities to feel...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Create Wood Designs
Students from our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program visited Board & Brush Creative Studio as part of their Community-Based Instruction (CBI). They each had an opportunity to use their imagination to create a personalized wood design. Various stencils, including those...
HDS BRIDGES SUPER BOWL SOIREE
February is BUZZING with positive energy at our HDS BRIDGES Broward Program! Students planned and hosted a Super Bowl LVII-themed soirée for their high school administrators and peers in the Best Buddies Program. The big football game may be on a Sunday when kids are...